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RA and Tahs not currently in contract talks with in-demand Wallaby – report
By Finn Morton
Wing Mark Nawaqanitawase was a shining light for the Wallabies during a tough year under former coach Eddie Jones, which is what makes a fresh report quite surprising amidst a link to the NRL.
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Nawaqanitawase, who is set to come off contract with the New South Wales Waratahs and Rugby Australia at the end of next year, reportedly met with the Sydney Roosters on Tuesday.
The 11-Test Wallaby met with Roosters coach Trent Robinson and chairman Nick Politis as Nawaqanitawase considers what would be a devastating code switch for Australian rugby.
But that’s far from the full story. According to The Daily Telegraph, both the Waratahs and Rugby Australia aren’t currently in contract negotiations with Nawaqanitawase.
It’s been reported that neither Rugby Australia or the Waratahs are currently negotiating a contract with the Wallaby, despite Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh labelling Nawaqanitawase “a key to the future of rugby in Australia.”
Unbelievable.
“Neither Rugby Australia nor the Waratahs are in contract talks with Nawaqanitawase, who RA CEO Phil Waugh said was a key to the future of rugby in Australia. It bolsters the Roosters’ chances of snaring the 23-year-old from 2025 and beyond.” pic.twitter.com/djMX349oRq
— OBBY (@OBBY001) November 14, 2023
As the masthead mentioned, Rugby Australia’s apparent inaction to re-sign their in-demand star certainly supports “the Roosters’ chances of snaring the 23-year-old from 2025 and beyond.”
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It’s almost hard to believe that Nawaqanitawase only debuted for the Wallabies late last year. By the time the Rugby World Cup came around, the wing was among the superstars in Aussie gold.
Nawaqanitawase – should the rising star decide to stay in the 15-player game – would be considered a certainly to play Test rugby for years to come, including against the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
But Rugby Australia have a real fight on their hands, especially with the Australian Rugby League Commission reportedly considering salary cap exemptions for NRL clubs chasing rugby talent.
Earlier this year, Nawaqanitawase hinted at a potential move to rugby league in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, although the Wallaby made it clear that he’d “love to stay in rugby for “as long as I can.”
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“With certain circumstances, we had to agree on something. The one-year (contract extension) was the best thing at the time,” Nawaqanitawase said.
“Hopefully (I can) win a Super Rugby title with the Tahs and hopefully win a World Cup.
“In a perfect world, I’d like to stay (in rugby) but there’s always a but. There’s obviously other things out there that might interest me.”
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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